How do I define “computer”? I’m old-school in this regard since I prefer a classic kind of machine — a Macintosh — with a traditional operating system and standard desktop apps.

I am open to new personal-computing approaches, though, and I’ve been experiencing a number of them.

There’s the smartphone, which is becoming a full-bore pocket computer with power and features that outstrip those of traditional computers from just a few years ago.

There is the tablet with a screen larger than that of the largest smartphones, and therefore better suited for productivity. A lot of that is happening on Apple’s iPads.

Google is pushing a third approach: A machine that physically resembles a laptop or desktop PC but is far more Web-centric than a Macintosh or Windows computer.

I’ve previously written about Chromebooks, which get their name from the Chrome browser that is the basis for the machines’ Chrome OS. But it’s time for an update because Chrome OS hardware has seen big changes — and so has the software.

The Chrome OS is a lightweight and easily updated operating system that runs Web apps — think Gmail, Google Calendar and the like — instead of traditional apps installed on computer hard drives or solid-state drives.

That resonates with me because I’ve been using Web apps more and more on my Mac, right in my browser.

I recently abandoned all desktop email programs and went to Web-based Gmail full time. I write my articles and columns in Google Drive and manage my schedule in Google Calendar.

SWITCH IS PAINLESS

So switching to a Chromebook — or its new desktop sibling, the Chromebox — is painless to a large degree. I am writing this in Google Drive on a Chromebook model that Samsung released not long ago and chugging along with my other Web apps all but effortlessly. I feel at home here.

Chromebooks are not as popular as tablets. That is partly because the first Chromebook models were underpowered, which made it difficult to do simple things like playing a YouTube video in high definition.

Samsung has fixed this with its latest Chromebook, which has an Intel Celeron chip. Such an aging processor is anemic for use with Windows PCs but is a huge leap forward for a Chrome OS-based notebook — so much so that the OS now feels lightning-fast for most things.

The Chromebook is physically pleasurable to use with a terrific keyboard, a jumbo trackpad and a serviceable 12.1-inch display.

The Chromebox, also sold by Samsung, is a desktop minicomputer that is the spitting image of Apple’s Mac Mini and is meant to be used with an external display, keyboard and mouse.

I am a bit less enthused about this device because of unfortunate design decisions. There is no HDMI port, which makes hooking up to modern desktop displays and TVs a bit more of a hassle. The machine has DisplayPorts, which are hardly commonplace. An audio jack is on the front; it should be in the back for more inconspicuous use with speakers.

Still, the Chromebox is a great way to use the Chrome OS on the desktop for those who have the right add-on gear.

The Chrome OS has evolved significantly, too. It once mimicked the Chrome browser used on PCs and Macs with a tabbed-window interface and little else.

Now Google has improved the Chrome OS with a desktop, windows that can be moved and resized, a dock (or “launcher”) for firing up favorite apps, and other trappings of a traditional OS with a refined, minimalist design.

The Chrome OS now looks gorgeous. I wish I could change the desktop wallpaper, but I am OK with Google’s excellent assortment of images for now.

SOME DOWNSIDES

The Chrome OS has significant downsides. It still works the best with an Internet connection, though Google has made strides in providing “offline” access to documents, e-mail, photos and so on. Printing is a hassle since you can’t connect directly to a printer, only indirectly via the Internet, and only to certain compatible printers.

And although photo and video editing is possible using Web-based tools, the best way to do such heavier work still is on a Mac or PC with full-featured editing software. I’m too enamored with Apple’s Keynote presentation-making software to use Google’s Web-based equivalent.

The newer Chrome OS computers have a scant 16 gigabytes of solid-state storage, which is comparable to that of a smartphone. This is understandable since these are Web machines, but users still will want to store files locally and may run out space.

So should you get a Chromebook or Chromebox?

I would love a Chromebook, and at $449 for a Wi-Fi-only model, it is affordable. A model with built-in Verizon 3G data access is $549. The Chromebox is $329, a tempting price.

But for most average consumers, A Chrome OS machine remains a bit too limiting as a main computer — though, for some users, it might have a role as a second or third machine.

Julio's Pioneer Press duties include writing, often about tech, and helping manage its website and social media. He also futzes with virtual-reality cameras and other tech tools for journalistic purposes. In his spare time, Julio writes for the TidBITS Apple-news site, where he is a contributing editor. See his blog at ojezap.com.

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